It's been the same with every novel I've ever written. 30,000 words is the hump. I can start a novel no probs, and 0 to 25,000 is a breeze, and 35,000 to 140,000 is just as easy, but 25k-35k is AGONISING.
I'm approaching that point in Alpha Slip now. I've busted out 21,500 words in seven days for the second draft and it's been all smooth, but just this morning I sat down to write and had an utter blank. No words, no inspiration. Just pure hatred for the bad plotting and endless expository dialogue I was trying to reshape into something less than drek.
This isn't Writer's Block so much as Writer's Self-Doubt. I know I'll get over it - I always do (except in the case of Century of Sand, which stalled at 31,000 words and never recovered) - but right now it's an absolute kick in the shins.
So, what's the cure? Anyone have any great remedies for busting through the editing angst?
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2 Responses
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Just keep writing. If there's another cure out there, I want to know!
Yeah, other than knowing that you've done it before and you're certainly going to do it again?
That and you have plenty of people rooting for you.